NPC Celebrates Outstanding Alumnus, Faculty, and Staff
National Park College (NPC) celebrated a successful year of achievements in student
success and campus growth during Thursday’s annual employee recognition luncheon.
Awards were presented to the outstanding faculty, staff and alumnus for 2019 and employees
were recognized for their years of service, community service, and retirement.
The Outstanding Faculty award was presented to Criminal Justice instructor James Montgomery.
Dr. Wade Derden, vice president for academic affairs described Montgomery as “a consummate
professional.” He said, “Everything he does, he does with excellence.” His nominator
said, “He is one of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and supportive individuals.
If he says, ‘let me know if you need anything,’ he truly means it and isn’t just saying
it to be nice. In addition, he is extraordinarily dedicated not only to his current
students, but also former students, supporting them in their careers and future educational
endeavors.”
Montgomery served as the chair of Faculty Senate, member of the Behavioral Intervention
Team, chair of the Higher Learning Commission criterion (HLC) III team, Title IX deputy
for students, building captain, and as the program leader for Criminal Justice. He
is also the faculty advisor for NPC’s new skeet/trap shooting club.
Dr. Charles Argo, Social Sciences division chair said, “He is one of the most accomplished
instructors we have on this campus, and certainly one of the most innovative when
it comes to online instruction. He is the department’s lead in D2L training and provides
support for his colleagues during this transition.”
The Outstanding Staff award was presented to Director of Talent Search, Diane Meredith.
Last year’s recipient, Mary 
Kay Wurm said, “NPC’s outstanding staff member exemplifies the values of NPC. The
words that consistently describe this employee are caring, thoughtful, and hard working.”
Her nominator said, “Even while traveling at work conferences, she was available to
her team and the high schools returning calls and responding to emails. I overheard
her efforts to help several high school students find prom dresses and shoes, and
even offering to help take students shopping to ensure they had everything they needed
for their special day. It was heartwarming to see a co-worker so dedicated to helping
others in need.”
Meredith assists with the campus data core group, the second level financial aid
appeals committee, Manufacturing Day, student activities, and advising/registration
for students. She is currently serving in the role of co-chair for the HLC accreditation
project. Her community service involves serving on the steering committee for Cutter
Morning Star High School, as a Sunday School teacher and as a member of the personnel
committee at her church.
This year NPC presented a new award, the “Live Like Allan” award in honor of late
instructor Allan Mesko. A singing bowl and a $500 professional development scholarship
were awarded to Administrative Support Supervisor Tabatha Tuskey. Vice President for
Human Resources, Janet Brewer said, “As we continue to heal and remember our friend,
we wish to honor an employee who exemplifies his energy, kindness, and gentle spirit.”
Tuskey’s nomination described her as an employee who is never content to just do her
job. “Her smiling face is a fixture at nearly every campus event. She, more than anyone
on this campus, ensures that our hungry students get snacks from our food pantry and
that the children of our poorest students have toys under the tree on Christmas morning,”
they added.
The Outstanding Alumnus award was presented to 1999 graduate Kristy Carter. Carter
is the Director of Marketing for the University of Central Arkansas’ (UCA) Division
of Outreach and Community Engagement. She graduated from Hot Springs High School and
holds a certificate in Business Office Technology and Accounting from Quapaw Technical
Institute, an Associate of Arts from Garland County Community College, a Bachelor
of Science in Education from Henderson State University, a Master of Arts in Higher
Education Administration from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, and is currently
completing a PhD in Leadership Studies from UCA.
Chair of the NPC Alumni and Friends Association, Denice Davis said Carter’s accomplishments
include leading large teams of professionals, public relations, management of large
financial operations, regulation of facilities, technology and business learning instruction,
and service learning and volunteerism.
Her nominator said, “While I appreciated Kristy’s tenacity and devotion to her studies,
it was her kindness and empathy that I admired most. Her smile was infectious, and
her heart for service resulted in becoming a student leader on campus.”
Carter said, “I am so honored for this opportunity. I tell people all the time that
this is where I got my start. You all nurtured me and really instilled all those good
things that made me who I am today.” The theme for the day’s celebration was “Experience
the Magic.” Carter noted that, “In terms of magic happening, there is a lot of magic
happening on this campus. I barely recognized the place when I got here.” She acknowledged
Dr. Joyce Craft, a member of the NPC Board of Trustees, who was principal at Hot Springs
High School when Carter graduated. Carter also noted all of the contributions of service
by the faculty and staff. She challenged them and said, “I want to encourage you to
continue your work. Continue your service. Stay fast and it will definitely pay off.”
Years of service pins were presented to the following employees:
Five years: Bradlee Bassett, Marcah Johnson, Bill Ritter, Rebekah Robinette, Debbie
Ugbade, Eve Victory
Ten years: Brian Charles, Allison Divine, Cathy Heilman, Susan Lewis, Kathy McCon,
Barbara Mori, Nicole Reynolds, Ana Rodriguez, Sara Seaman, Brian Theroux, Paula Welch
Fifteen years: Eric Boardway, Gail Carmon, Patricia Longinotti, Jeff Looper, Kristin
Quintanilla, Melinda Thornton
Twenty years: Richard Beason, Lisa Hopper
Twenty-five years: Jason Armitage, Juanita Brewer, Linda Franklin
Thirty years: Tamara Abernathy, Janetta Ritter
Forty-five years: Joan Henry
The following retirees were recognized for their service: Tamara Abernathy, Linda
Franklin, Joan Henry, David Hughes, Jeff Kinney, Susan Lewis, Sara Seaman, Suzy Still,
Paula Welch
The following employees were recognized for volunteer service:
Over 500 Hours: Anne Benoit
Over 250 Hours: David Hughes, Christopher Thrasher, Connie Poteet, Marie Linden-Cox
(student), Steve Trusty, Eve Victory
Over 100 Hours: Linda Franklin, Janice Ivers, Nicole Herndon, Carla Kelley, Sebrena
Lewis, Nathan Looper, Margaret White, Debra Wilson, Melissa Cheresnik (student), Cory
Morris (student)
Groups Over 750 Hours: Hospitality Students, Honors Students
Groups Over 250 Hours: Nursing Students, Intro to Social Work Students
